Sweetener Use in Fruit Juices to Be Completely Banned
· Google Haberler
A new draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will ban the use of sweeteners in fruit juices and concentrates, while also redefining nectar and labeling rules.
Sweetener Ban in Fruit Juices
A new draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry foresees fundamental changes in the fruit juice sector within the scope of harmonization with European Union legislation. With the regulation coming into force, the use of sweeteners will be completely banned not only in direct fruit juices but also in products derived from concentrate. Furthermore, fruit juice concentrate, fruit juice powder, and fruit juices extracted with water will also be included in this restriction. Artificial sweeteners will not be permitted in fruit juices with naturally reduced sugar content or in the concentrates of these products.
Nectar and Sugar-Free Product Standards
Different rules than the general ban have been set for fruit nectars in the prepared draft regulation. While the use of sweeteners instead of sugar will be allowed in fruit nectars with no added sugar, partial substitution of sugar will be permitted in low-calorie nectars. According to the regulation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, if the natural sugar content of the fruit juice is reduced by at least 30%, the products will be given a special definition. These beverages, with their other characteristics preserved, will be marketed under the name "fruit juice with reduced natural sugar.".
Consultation Process and New Labeling
The draft regulation, presented for the evaluation of industry stakeholders and producers, has not yet been finalized and officially enacted. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to gather opinions from sector representatives for the regulation that will redefine the production and labeling rules of the fruit juice sector from scratch. Stakeholders are required to submit their suggestions and evaluations regarding the draft to the Ministry by September 25, 2026. With the completion of the process and the regulation coming into effect, a comprehensive transformation will begin in product definitions, formulations, and package labeling.